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LapBand vs. Realize band



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Still trying to decide which to go with? Any comments/insights appreciated :smile2:

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I'm struggling with the same, I think I will let my surgeon make the last decision. He said both are great.

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It was a hard chose for me too. The stats are nearly equal. Realize is just a bit better on slippage and port-flip problems, so that is why I chose Realize. I also like that the port is not as prominent. My friend's port (lapband) can be seen easily, my Realize port does not show and can barely be felt. I'm only 5 weeks post-op but so far, no problems. My first fill went fine. No problems finding the port. Just looking forward to my second fill so I get a little more restriction. Either will give you the results you are looking for. Good Luck!

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I choose the Lap Band because of all the positive information I found on it. I love my band, I have been banded now since 3/31/09 I can not see my port nor can i barely feel it... I really think what the previous poster said refers more per persons body... and im a size 10/12 so thats pretty good.

My port also has never hurt a lot of people complain of that... and i have had no complications, no PBing and i can eat what i want in moderation...

It really is a personal decision.. i have heard the realize band is a newer band???

In my opinion they all do the same job so pick whatever:D

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Thanks for all your input. I'm leaning toward lapband just because the little metal hooks on the Realize kind of freak me out. Guess I'm a bit of a chicken. LOL

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My dr told me the realize band is no better than the other one. He said it hasn't been out as long and that's why the stats are better. Smaller #'s equals smaller problems reported. He also said it's better to let the surgeon choose for you while he's in there because they go by the size of your preop stomach when deciding for you. I went with the VSG because I was afraid of slippage, erosion etc.

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After reading all the stats, I dont like how Realize shows the stats for 3 yrs but not 1.

It is hard to compare stats for lapband AP year 1 vs Realize 3 yr. Then the stats do show lapband AP shows more weight loss... but then realize has less slippage and it seems you can get more down and not get stuck as often...

I am leaning toward lapband for the weightloss stats even though I think they even out in the end. I want to get there quicker! LOL...anyway I am going to tell my surgeon if he thinks the Realize band is better for my anatomy, then go for it. Good luck to you all!!!!!!!!!!!

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HI Tory, I asked my surgeon what her suggestion was since they do both in the office, she said its really more about the anatomy of the person but that she tends to use the lapband more with females since they have "smaller" stomachs than men which she prefers the realize band. Her point was that they both accomplish the same thing as long as you do what your suppose to do. She made it a point to emphasizes that if you want to cheat on either one, you can with depressing consequenses.

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